Captain Kevin

Last updated : 31 October 2005 By Matt Bottom
Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce says stand-in skipper Kevin Nolan is showing England form after the midfielder's winner in yesterday's 1-0 victory at Charlton.

"Why not? You never know. I think this season he has come of age," Allardyce declared.

"I kept him with the captain's armband - one, because we have not lost when he has had it and two, he loves it and the responsibility it brings.

"His form is excellent and his overall game has improved 10 or 20% this year, and his goals ratio is looking good again.

"If he continues to do that, then who knows? He may emerge to force his way into Sven's reckoning."

The Bolton manager added: "He is adjustable to many positions, and today we decided to go with him on the front of the three, whereas normally we would play him in the middle.

"Because of his goalscoring qualities, we wanted Kevin on the front line."

Allardyce added: "You can't take anything away from the fact this guy scores goals every year - whether he plays in centre midfield or on the front line, he scores.

"He has been doing that ever since he got in the Premiership at 19 or 20, and is playing his best football."